Planktovie FISHGUN D2 User manual

2021
FISHGUN D2 USER GUIDE
Congratulations, you have just acquired a FISHGUN D2, which
we hope will bring you entire satisfaction. Thisuser manual
will help you get the most out of your FISHGUN.
The FISHGUN D2 is a semi-automatic dry feed dispenser
specially developed for aquatic facilities and aquaculture
nurseries.
PLANKTOVIE
Marseille
13/04/2021

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Table of contents
Table of contents ................................................................................................................................1
I. Description .................................................................................................................................2
1.1. Components........................................................................................................................2
1.2. Descriptive schemes:................................................................................................................2
II. Navigation and programming..........................................................................................................3
2.1. Choosing a mode of use ...........................................................................................................3
2.2. Selecting a menu......................................................................................................................3
2.2.1. General menu....................................................................................................................3
2.2.3. Battery ..............................................................................................................................5
2.2.4. Sleep .................................................................................................................................5
2.2.5. Light ..................................................................................................................................5
III. Installation of the tube...................................................................................................................5
IV. Docking to the fish tank .................................................................................................................5
V. Filling the tube................................................................................................................................7
VI. Programming the NFC tag..............................................................................................................7
6.1. NFC Reader/writer ..................................................................................................................7
6.2. The NFC Tools app..................................................................................................................12
VII. Charging .....................................................................................................................................13
VIII. Warranty ...................................................................................................................................14
IX. Maintenance................................................................................................................................14
X. Security.........................................................................................................................................14
XI. Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................15
XII. Specifications..............................................................................................................................15

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I. Description
1.1. Components
- An ergonomic handle for easy and effortless use
- A digital screen for better control of operations,
- A technological system to deliver dry feed (powders, grains, etc.) by means of
vibrations,
- Interchangeable 75 ml Diet-tube for different types and sizes of dry food ranging from
75 μm to 600 μm,
- An induction charger for better security and robustness,
- An RFID scanner to identify aquariums and deliver the right amount of feed to
zebrafish.
Weight: 0.5kg
Brand: Planktovie
1.2. Descriptive schemes:

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II. Navigation and programming
Before using your FISHGUN, the battery must be charged to a voltage of at least
3,000 mV.
2.1. Choosing a mode of use
Press any button to activate the FISHGUN, then use the scroll buttons (< >) to view
the 3 operating modes:
- Manual
- Fixed, this mode
- RFID (automatic)
2.2. Selecting a menu
To select the menu, press the ✔ button > 2 seconds. Press either scroll arrow to
view the menus "general", "time per dose", "battery", "sleep", "light".
Press the ✔button to confirm your choice.
2.2.1. General menu
Once the general menu is selected, use the buttons to navigate to the mode you wish
to modify, then press the ✔button to confirm your choice.
2.2.1.1. Fixed mode
When fixed mode is selected, enter the number of individuals to feed. While operating
in Fixed mode, the FISHGUN D2 will always deliver the same amount of feed for the
specified number of individuals.

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2.2.1.2. Time per dose
This mode allows you to enter the vibration (dosing) time of the FISHGUN D2, in order
to deliver feed for each individual tank. The time is entered in milliseconds (ms), so the
FISHGUN D2 will deliver the amount of feed needed (shown in the table below). It then
becomes possible to know how long the FISHGUN D2 should vibrate for each
individual to feed. For the total amount of feed to be distributed, refer to the summary
table on our website: https://planktovie.biz/en/protocols/nutritional-solutions/Then
divide the total quantity of feed to be distributed per individual, per feeding, by the value
from Table 1 below, and enter this value as the vibration time.
TABLE 1: Quantity of feed delivered each ms
Size
(µm)
Hole diameter
(mm)
Quantity
(mg/ms)
CV (%)
75
2
0.019
14
150
2
0.055
8
300
2.4
0.083
6
500
2.4
0.096
5
Note 1: For more precision, it is preferable to quantify, for each Diet-Tube, the amount
of food that will be delivered each ms of vibration.
Note 2: Each Diet-Tube must be replaced after 12 months of use, thus
guaranteeing the values shown in the table.
This new version of the Fishgun makes it possible to use very fine grain sizes (75 µm)
without affecting the accuracy at which zebrafish are fed. Thus, the coefficient of
variation is less than 20% for a 75 µm grain size. More details in table 1 above.
Example 1: Feeding adult fish.
Typically, one adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) should receive 30 mg of GEMMA Micro 500
each day. To dispense this, amount the FISHGUN D2 should vibrate for 30 : 0.096 =
312 ms. Enter this value in the "Time per unit" of FISHGUN D2.
Example 2: Feeding post-larvae (30 days post-fertilization).
If a zebrafish (Danio rerio) post-larva is to receive 7 mg of GEMMA Micro 300 each
day, the FISHGUN D2 should vibrate for 7 : 0.083 = 84 ms to dispense this amount.
Enter this value in the "Time per unit" of FISHGUN D2.

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2.2.3. Battery
This submenu allows you to view the remaining battery voltage by selecting "Voltage".
Select "Low th.” (voltage threshold) to enter a value (in mv) below which the low battery
symbol will be displayed on the LCD screen. By default, this value is set to 3,000 mv,
which corresponds to the minimum voltage ensuring optimal accuracy of the FISHGUN
D2.
2.2.4. Sleep
Scroll to “Delay” to enter the idle time (min) after which the FISHGUN D2 will enter
sleep mode.
Turn off the FISHGUN D2 by scrolling to "Enter" and pressing ✔to confirm.
2.2.5. Light
This submenu allows you to set the color ("Color") and intensity ("Delivery") of the
indicator light at the front of the FISHGUN D2, that confirms each delivery of feed.
When the "Color" submenu is selected, these choices are available: Red, Magenta,
Yellow, White, Blue, Green, Cyan, or None.
In the "delivery" sub-menu, you can choose the intensity of a value of 1-100%.
III. Installation of the tube
Remove the cap on the bottom of the tube and position
the filled tube on the tube holder, taking care to
place the graduations upward so that the dispensing
aperture points downward.
Note: The Diet-Tube has a hole in the tube cap, so it is
best not to seal the tube cap completely during the use so
that this hole is always visible to allow air to enter the tube.
WARNING:The Diet tubes can be cleaned and sterilized
using the following solutions only:
Ethanol up to a concentration of 10% ; Hydrochloric acid up
to a concentration of 10% ; Hydrogen peroxide up to a
concentration of 30%.
The plexiglass of the tubes becomes brittle on contact with
too concentrated cleaning agents. For a simple rinsing,
please use osmosis or distilled water to avoid any
accumulation of minerals in the tubes..
Do not autoclave the tubes.
IV. Docking to the fish tank
Position the FISHGUN D2 dispensing aperture over the
aquarium’s feeding port, making sure to place the triggering fork on the feeding port.
The schemas below use a Techniplast aquarium as an example.

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Notching position
1
2
2
3
4
5
6 & 7
Tank volume
All volumes
All volumes
0.8 L
Tank brands
Techniplast
Pentair / Aquarius
Aquaneering
1.8 L & 6 L
2.8 L
9.5 L
Aquaneering
Aquaneering
Aquaneering
However, this new version of the Fishgun makes it possible to use it with any type
of aquarium (Aquaneering, Pentair, Techniplast).
A brand-new tube sliding system is now available so that the hole through which the
feed flows coincides with the hole on the aquarium cover regardless of the brand. This
tube sliding system consists of detent marks on the tube and a metal lug on the tube
holder. With the help of the visual markings, you can easily slide the tube so that the
notch locks the tube in the correct position for the type of aquarium you have.
You can thus adjust the length of the diet-tube according to the type of aquarium you
own. Here is a table (table 2) of the most common brands, and the position of the
corresponding notch.
For optimal reading of the RFID code, it is important to position the RFID antenna on
the front of the FISHGUN D2 close to the NFC tag.
NOTE: for the Aquaneering aquariums specifically, we provide RFID tag supports
allowing to certify the reading of the RFID tag by the scanner of the Fishgun. If you
have this type of aquarium whose frontage where the RFID tag must be stuck is in
bias, it is necessary to position a support of the tag in the front of your aquarium so
that the scanner is perfectly in front of the chip during the reading. These tag holders
are available on our website, and five units are available for purchase of a Fishgun D2.
Table 2 : The notching level for each aquarium
Position 1 = position closest to the dispensing port

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V. Filling the tube
Refer to Table 1 above to determine which tube to use according to the size of the feed
micro pellets.
Fill the tube using a spatula or other clean and dry tool. We recommend adding a small
desiccant pouch above the feed to keep it dry, in order to prevent clogging, microbial
growth, and to retard oxidation.
After use, replace the cap on the conical bottom of the tube, and store it at +4°C.
VI. Programming the NFC tag
For programming NFC tags, two solutions are possible for you:
1/ Planktovie solution: Using an NFC reader/writer available on Planktovie’s website
2/ Using a cell phone or tablet and downloading the NFC Tools app
6.1. NFC Reader/writer
Planktovie offers the possibility to use an NFC reader/writer available on its website:
https://planktovie.biz/en/product/nfc-reader-encoder/
Please follow these few steps for using properly your NFC reader/writer
1. Download and install the free software "Gototags" available at the following link:
https://gototags.com/windows-app/download/
2. Connect your NFC reader/writer via USB to your computer and launch the Gototags
software.

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3. The following software window opens:
4. Program a tag by entering the "Add a New Record" icon: Then enter the "Plain text"
submenu.

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5. Enter in the text box, the number of fish you want to encode on the NFC tag.

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6. Wait until the software validates the new data, then press OK.
7. Then, the text data is saved in the box.
8. Click on the "Encode NFC Tags" icon.

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9. A window opens, affix a blank NFC tag to the NFC reader/writer.
10. Wait until the software confirms that the NFC tga is properly encoded.

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Your NFC tag is now ready for reading by the FISHGUN. For encoding a new blank
NFC tag with the same number, proceed to step 9. Otherwise, you only need toerase
the data entered in the box using the "Clear all records" icon.
To erase the encoded content on an NFC tag, click on the red trash icon "Erase NFC
Tags".
Then as for writing, a window will open. Affix the tag to deprogram on the box and wait
until the software confirms the deprogramming.
6.2. The NFC Tools app
Download the NFC Tools
Compatible phones for reading RFID tags
After having downloaded the NFC tools application available on Apple store or Wak
Dev website (https://www.wakdev.com/apps/nfc-tools-pc-mac.html) you will be able to
use your cell phone, or any other compatible device for writing and reading your NFC
tags. Devices equipped with NFC are, for example, Android, BlackBerry, Windows
Phones, etc. All compatible phones are listed on the NFCWorld website
(https://www.nfcw.com/nfc-phones-list/).
On Android devices, the NFC function is activated in the ''Wireless and networks''
settings, on the BlackBerry in the ''Manage connections'' section. On Windows Phones,
the function is already activated but may be deactivated in the ''Touch + Send'' settings.
Apple devices contain a low-power Bluetooth 4.0 contactless technology (BLE -
Bluetooth Low Energy) introduced on iOS7 with the iBeacon system, that allows ranges
greater than the NFC (up to 50 m) and hands-free use. To read RFID tags a minimum
IOS 11 version is required, compatible with iPhones 7 or higher.

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VII. Charging
Ensure that the FISHGUN is correctly positioned on its charger.
To optimize the use of the FISHGUN D2, make sure that the battery level is notbelow
3000 mV before each use. If the level is below this threshold, it is necessary to charge
it by placing it on the charging station.
Check that the FISHGUN is correctly installed on the charger and that the charging
indicator light is illuminated (blue), indicating that charging is in progress.
The FISHGUN in charge quickly reaches the threshold of 3600 mV, which issufficient
for optimum use. For a full charge, wait 1 to 2 hours, the light will turn green.
Note for US : The FISHGUN D2 cannot be charged via USB. It works only to collect
data or update for power reason in the plugs.

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VIII. Warranty
We warranty your product against any defects in material and workmanship, under
normal conditions of use. In the event a product is found to be defective during the one-
year warranty period, we repair or replace the defective product, at our option. The
warranty period begins on the day of purchase. For validation of the warranty, proof of
purchase must be provided.
The following are excluded from the warranty:
1. Incorrect use of the device causing a malfunction.
2. the device is repaired or modified by an unauthorized person.
3. Damage affected by a disaster.
4. Poor maintenance causing damage.
5. Use of reagent or sample causing corrosion; 6. Accidental damage or overload.
7. Consumables such as NFC tag, etc.
To obtain warranty support, you may contact our local technical support. Our technical
support will attempt to diagnose and correct the problem. If the problem cannot be
rectified, our technical support will ask you to return the product. You will be asked to
furnish proof of purchase to confirm that the product is still under warranty.
IX. Maintenance
Replace conical tubes about every 12 months of use for a mid-size zebrafish facility
10,000 fish.
X. Security
To avoid danger, you should observe the following rules:
- If you find any visible damage, please do not switch on
- Be sure not to expose the FISHGUN to any acid, alkali, or volatile solvents
- Temperature changes or mechanical wear may increase the dosing volume error.
You must stop any operation immediately if the equipment is damaged. The equipment
may be damaged when the following situations occur:
- There is visual damage.
- The product suddenly does not work.

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XI. Troubleshooting
Symptoms
Feed does not flow, or not
regularly.
RFID reading is not
performed correctly.
The dispensing aperture of
the Diet-tube is enlarged.
Possible causes
Feed can clog when its
water content reaches a
certain threshold, making
flow irregular.
Incorrect positioning of the
FISHGUN D2.
About every 12 months, the
feed inside the tube creates
a corrosive effect and
damages the orifice.
Solution
Change the feed; keep a
pouch of dry desiccant in
the tube.
Position the RFID antenna
parallel to the aquarium. Be
sure to place the RFID tag
just under the feeding port,
so it can be read by the
RFID antenna.
Replace the Diet-tube.
XII. Specifications
Model: FISHGUN-D2; vibrator: Z7AL2B1692082
Typical drilled tube life: About 12 months of use for a typical facility of
10,000 fish.
Adapter:
- input: AC 100-240V 50-60Hz 1.0A max
- output: DC 12V 1A; DC24V 1.9A
Power supply: 12W
Coefficient of variation: < 10% from 75 to 600µm
Working environment: temperature 0-70°C
Storage environment:
- humidity : 10%-90% (non-condensable)
- temperature : -20°C-85°C
Dimensions (L x W x H): 12.5 x 5.5 x 16 cm / Weight: 222 g